IEC WC pleased with second voter registration weekend

The IEC in the Western Cape says it is pleased with the turnout of the voter registration weekend that took place on 3-4 February 2024.

Giving an update on Bush Radio’s 'Everyday People Show', Provincial Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse, says over 160 000 South African citizens in the province participated in voter registration. Of these, he says, 39 694 were new registrations; 48 135 re-registered, and 72 721 registered in different voting districts after having moved locations.

PHOTO: IEC

Hendrickse says the youth grasped at the opportunity to register for the first time for NPE2024:

•        20 - 29-year olds topped the group with 17 331;

•        18 – 19-year-olds at 3 743, and

•        16 -17 year-olds at 5 699

‘’The Voters’ Roll in the Western Cape has grown to an encouraging 3 269 644, according to the latest registration data. This represents an impressive 63,8% of the voting age population in the Western Cape,’’ says Michael Hendrickse, Provincial Electoral Officer.

“I am encouraged by the data. Since March 2023 we have grown by over 180 000 voters on our Voters’ Roll. The continued increase on the Voters’ Roll is heartening as it shows that South African citizens remain committed in their belief of the country’s democratic electoral processes,’’ he added.

Out of 1 572 voting stations in the Western Cape, only one did not open.

‘’We had one situation on Sunday, in Laingsburg area, where the roads to the farm was flooded by a river, so our staff could not cross. It is about 30km outside Laingsburg.’’

Hendrickse says of the 30 prisons in the Western Cape, 1 684 were registered by IEC officials from 30 January to 1 February 2024. There are 8 270 prisoners in the province.

With reports of a Patriotic Alliance allegedly appearing with automatic weapons, in Eerste River, at a voting station, Hendrickse says no official complaint has been laid.

‘’We didn’t receive any official complaint, but we saw pictures, the matter has been reported by our voting stations officials to SAPS, and they are investigating the matter. We are waiting an outcome of that – we also do not know if the photo is authentic or not.’’

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Provincial Electoral Officer, Michael Hendrickse, encouraged eligible voters to register to vote if they have not done so already.

‘’South African citizens made use of the array of platforms available to register, including visits to IEC offices, voting stations and the online Voter Portal.’’

‘’Please be reminded that the online voter portal at www.elections.org.za remains open 24/7 for first-time voter registration as well as updating registration details, especially address changes, until the election date has been proclaimed in the Government Gazette. Until that date, the IEC is also continuing with its youth campaign by visiting campuses of Universities and TVET institutions,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George